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Really loving the first episode. It has such a gentle, nostalgic feeling. The direction rather reminds me of Koi Kaze's style, but with a higher budget.

I wonder about the nun at Achan's school. Is it really a Catholic school? I always figured that the sorts of schools in Marimite, etc were Christian in name and style only, and had no actual trace of theological teaching or religion. It would add more possible dramatic material if it was, at least.

I think it's interesting how it plays with a lot of classical moe dynamics...the border between Fumi's cool appearance but shy interior, childhood friends, etc...but because it presents it in a far more "classy" non-pandering manner, the sort of people who would usually disparage moe shows won't likely disparage this. Like, there are two shows this season which feature little girls randomly peeing themselves, but one will be popular on ANN and the other one won't.

Just watched episode 1, and let me just say that this is one of Kasai's best (though Honey and Clover's first episode reigns just a tad more for me). Love the music here, the OP sequence especially, though it is a bit disappointing to see nothing more but manga covers in the ED. My only complaint so far is Akira's voice, I can see a certain squeakiness to her voice but not that high-pitched; it's very unnatural so to speak. Everything else I'm enjoying immensely, from the color palletes (which gives off a nostalgic feel to the show), the way the show gives more thought on the character's body language, and to the subdued tone of the whole thing. This may be the first yuri anime (manga are a different thing entirely) I've ever enjoyed, and yes, I am one of those yuri-lovers who doesn't worship the daylights out of Marimite. Shocking, I know.

...This may be the first yuri anime (manga are a different thing entirely) I've ever enjoyed, and yes, I am one of those yuri-lovers who doesn't worship the daylights out of Marimite. Shocking, I know.

My favorite "yuri" anime:

1. Simoun
2. Oniisama-e
3. Marimite
4. Blue Drop
5. Candy Boy
6. Ice

Aoi Hana looks as if it could easily join that list, based on the manga and ep1. I'm not a huge fan of Utena and no fan at all of Strawberry Panic, despite liking Nabatame Hitomi.

A little late but i throughly enjoyed the first episode of Aoi Hana. Very colorful and i just loved the dialog and the music the colors just drew me in instantly and i dont think it could have been done any better including the bgm. Character animations were solid and imo quite beautiful. The pacing is just right for what this series is. Its a been a while since we a good Yuri i am looking forward to a lot more. I am so excited i can hardly stand to wait for episode 2. I havent been gitty like a school girl about a series in a long time but Aoi Hana just might do it for me. Great adaptation so far.

J.C. staff + Kenichi Kasai is a great combination for me, and a serious yuri romance is just an added bonus.

Speaking as a manga reader, and someone who's experiencing Kenichi Kasai's way of directing, it's easy to tell that he was behind the first episode. The way he handles the characters are very common with each series. He'll do so much with this material.

So is it true that this show will only be 11 episodes? If that's true, i can't even see then getting to the fourth volume. Not even the end of the third.

Speaking as a manga reader, and someone who's experiencing Kenichi Kasai's way of directing, it's easy to tell that he was behind the first episode. The way he handles the characters are very common with each series. He'll do so much with this material.

I'll be honest I didn't even know J.C. Staff and Kenichi Kasai were working on this show until I recognize elements from the studio and the director while watching the episode.

As for the manga I haven't read it, I'll probably will when the series is done. The mangaka's other work Hourou Musoko looks very interesting though.

I seriously hope this becomes a very solid DVD seller so it may consider doing a season 2.

Same here. Even so with it being 11 episodes, we shouldn't see any anime original material at all. The real question is at what part of the manga will they end this series at. I can't wait to find out.

I wonder about the nun at Achan's school. Is it really a Catholic school? I always figured that the sorts of schools in Marimite, etc were Christian in name and style only, and had no actual trace of theological teaching or religion. It would add more possible dramatic material if it was, at least.

In Takako SHIMURA's other works, Hourou Musuko, a character is ridden by guilt Catholic-style and want to absolve. I shouldn't say anything more than that due to rules regarding spoilers (from another series, at that), but i can see that the mangaka takes Christian concepts seriously. (As much as i can understand anyway... i'm not a Christian, but being an Abrahamist for 24-years teach you to sense whether something is related to the teaching of your faith-- no matter how remotely.)

I hope i don't step on anyone's toes with this post.

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If there's a Final Fantasy game that I must put my personal seal of disapproval on, it's Crisis Core. I mean, just look at how this Genesis Rhapsodos dude is raping the canon. It's bad. As in, fanfiction bad.

When I started watching I was actually pleasantly shocked to see that J.C.Staff was the studio behind this. The animation quality is almost 2x of the usual stuff they churn out recently.

Then again they've recently upped the ante a bit. Maybe they're getting better funding now? Here's to hoping that the new Shakugan no Shana series gets a good working budget. Hoepfully Aoi Hana will be the benchmark of animation for future offerings from this studio.

Loved ep2, as well. Seemed at least as subtle and full of feeling as the manga. Really think Takabe Ai is doing a wonderful job with Fumi. Not a voice I expected, but a good inspiration of hers or the director's or sound director's. Thought the backgrounds were beautifully atmospheric.

Yet another faithful adaptation of the source material. The key scenes in this episode (Fumi's reaction to Chizu's husband appearing at the house, and the last scene) were handled very nicely. The score's playing a very important role in such scenes, and it has me looking all the more forward to certain scenes i wanna see from this adaptation --- a few in the next episode.

Must say though, i adored how they handled the flashback scene with Fumi and Chizu. It was made pretty clear in that scene what their relationship is, and that was taken into consideration when directing this scene. Great use of visuals there.

Sugimoto is such a smooth character, she's great in this adaptation. Can't wait to hear what non-manga readers have to say about her so far, and as the series progresses.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaoru Chujo

Spoiler for ep2:

Was it clear to those who haven't read the manga what actually happened between Fumi and her cousin?

Watching the first episode of Aoi Hana, it seems like a decent show so far, but nothing more special than that. I'm going to attribute this mostly to the show being one that builds up very slowly, like Maria-sama ga Miteru or Aria, so I don't think that it's too much of a problem. So far, I've got a bit of a gripe with both of the leads: Akira is a decent enough character, but her voice really grates on me. Fumi sounds a lot better, but the "taciturn wallflower" character archetype has never done much for me. Then again, I'm seeing a lot of potential for potent drama, so I'm still quite optimistic about the show. And having Ikuhara being involved in any way is automatically a very good sign.

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The victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won...

This made for a good start, though it's not quite as gripping for me in the way that Kimikiss managed to be (not even gonna bring up Nodame or H&C since those were really stellar). Regardless, it's still looking promising because of the wealth of side characters that catch my eye as well as the character backstories, which should hopefully prove to be compelling.

Music was nice and subtle like I'd predicted and I like the way that piano piece just fits right into the show.